Squallrider

There was also a time when they said ORD would shrink to 1/3rd of its size etc etc...now its one of the biggest bases we have. Im not saying IAH isn't going to shrink or isn't going to go away, but a lot can change in a hurry...not that I would advise people to make career decisions on speculation or current bases for that matter.

Electra

Two years ago I captain I know with a "friend" in the UAL CP's office SWORE he'd seen the memo UAL management put out that indicated Denver was going to be shut down in a matter of months. Fast forward to today and United has suddenly woken up and decided they want to fight Southwest after years of hiding their heads in the sand while Southwest made themselves comfy in Denver. In the meantime, they're fleeing Houston because oil business is tanking. UAL management can't see more than 6 months out.

N1234

who says they are fleeing IAH? All they do is transition their fleet to 175 and concentrate on one operator. May not be efficient in the long run but I don't think this signals any major UA service for IAH. It will just be provided by someone else - unfortunately.

Electra

Perhaps "fleeing" is a strong word. For your reading pleasure:

United Airlines to pull resources from Houston hub - Houston Business Journal

Low oil prices are helping United Airlines boost its earnings but are pulling it away from Houston, where it has one of its largest hubs.
Chicago-based United Continental Holdings Inc. (NYSE: UAL) said on an earnings call Jan. 21 that it would be reducing its resources at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to a transcription from Seeking Alpa.

The airline plans to shift Houston's resources to better-performing markets like San Francisco and Denver, though it did not provide further details. The Houston Chronicle reports that the changes could result in relocating and downsizing planes, as well as changing routes.


United said that low oil prices have reduced demand not only from corporate energy partners, but also have now begun to impact revenue from broader markets. The company said it had previously expected to grow in Houston by 2 percent this year, but now growth is expected to be flat.
Overall, though, United saw increased earnings both in its fourth quarter and full year numbers.
Its net income for 2015 was $7.3 billion, including special items, up from $1.1 billion the previous year. However, total revenue for the year was $37.9 billion, down from $38.9 billion.
United is currently underway on a $244 million concourse at IAH. The project broke ground in May and is slated to open next year. United said it will maintain a strong commitment to Houston, but it will make slight adjustments.
The company's newly appointed CEO Oscar Munoz was present on the conference call. He suffered a heart attack last year but has been on the mend.


I don't think IAH is done for, even for SkyWest. BUT, UAL plans to only have 100 50 seaters in the express portfolio in three years, and they're letting 700's go (to other carriers, natch). Things could look very different in the near future. Lots more E175's coming, too, just a question of who, when & where. It's dangerous to choose an airline, ANY airline, based on domicile. Just ask the guys who came to SkyWest for San Diego

ClickClickBoom

In this industry, follow the money, the truth is right behind it. The reason that new hires are going into the ERJ is simple, the CRJ is going the way of the EMB, and it's about training events. Train a new hire in the CRJ, and a year after he finishes, he will be transitioning into the ERJ. Keeping the CRJ guys right where they are, is cost containment. Remember you are a widget, and as far as the company is concerned, widgets don't have lives outside SKYW.
Sorry!
The game is rigged, SAPA, F&H, means you are outgunned, squirtgun vs SAW, you will continue to lose, every time.

clearprop

nailed it!

Rak73

Where does IAH fall in this list.

elmetal

Don't come here for IAH. It's closing.

Blackwing

iah - 7/15 (crj)

Flightsoffusion

So is it safe to say that if one ends up in the E-jet, their first year will be spent in Chicago?